cross over

USAGE SUMMARY

"cross over" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to someone or something passing from one side or position to the other. For example, "The frog crossed over the log to get to the other side of the pond."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

39 human-written examples

Only Jean tried to cross over".

The New York Times - Books

"It could definitely cross over".

The New York Times - Food

Is Indian art about to cross over?

Forbes

"Tell her to cross over".

Vice

Is he trying to cross over?

Huffington Post

They didn't cross over too much.

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

21 human-written examples

A randomized cross-over trial.

Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation

Design: Randomized cross-over trial.

Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation

Ethnic cross-over appeal should be considerable.

The New York Times

Think the Apple Watch Hermès cross-over.

The Guardian

How can you reduce cross-over?

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "cross over", ensure the context clearly indicates the direction or area of transition. For abstract transitions, use it to convey a shift in style, genre, or appeal.

Common error

Avoid using "cross over" when the context lacks a clear sense of movement or transition. For example, don't use it to describe static relationships or states.

Linguistic Context

The phrasal verb "cross over" functions primarily to indicate a movement or transition from one physical space, state, or category to another. Ludwig confirms this usage with numerous examples showcasing both literal and figurative transitions.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

30%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Social Media

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "cross over" is a versatile phrasal verb used to describe both physical and abstract transitions, with Ludwig providing ample examples across various domains. The phrase is grammatically sound, widely accepted, and commonly found in news, science, and general contexts. When using "cross over", ensure that the context provides a clear sense of movement or transition. Furthermore, the semantic analysis reveals several alternatives such as ""pass over"", ""transition"", and ""move across"", each with slightly different nuances. With its analysis, Ludwig reaffirms the phrase's proper usage and provides valuable context for effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

pass over

Indicates a movement from one side to another, often implying a brief or superficial transition.

transition

Signifies a more formal shift or change from one state or condition to another.

move across

Emphasizes the physical movement or transfer from one point to another.

shift between

Suggests alternating or changing between different states or categories.

bridge the gap

Implies connecting or linking two separate entities or concepts.

overlap

Implies that two or more things share some common elements or areas.

make the leap

Suggests a significant jump or advancement from one stage to another.

convert to

Highlights a transformation from one form, substance, or unit into another.

go beyond

Highlights exceeding or surpassing a certain limit or boundary.

transcend

Conveys exceeding the limits of ordinary experience or material existence.

FAQs

How can I use "cross over" in a sentence?

You can use "cross over" to describe a physical movement, like "The bridge allows people to "pass over" the river", or an abstract transition, such as "The artist tried to "transition" to a new genre".

What does it mean to "cross over" in music?

In music, to "cross over" means to gain popularity in a different genre or demographic. For example, a country song might "move across" to the pop charts.

Is "cross over" the same as "go over"?

"Cross over" typically implies moving from one side or category to another, while "go over" can mean to review or examine something, or to physically move above something. They are not interchangeable.

What's the difference between "cross over" and "bridge the gap"?

"Cross over" suggests a movement or transition, while "bridge the gap" implies connecting two separate entities or ideas. The former focuses on the act of moving, the latter on creating a connection.